Success Story

Photographer: University of Wisconsin Ed Jesse

As a component of Philippines Food for Progress project, Land O’Lakes is partnering with The Babcock Institute of International Dairy Research and Development, University of Wisconsin, Madison to provide technical assistance and training to dairy professionals of National Dairy Authority of Philippines and the faculty of three local agricultural colleges to build their knowledge base and capacity to serve the local dairy farmers and students.

A select group of Philippine technical experts attended vigorous dairy training in Madison Wisconsin July 28-August 9, 2008. Courses consisted of milk quality, diagnostic testing for mastitis, food safety, basics of reproduction management and calf care. The group was able to visit ABS, a dairy genetics company, the Wisconsin State Fair and Holstein Heifer Dairy Show. The idea behind the training is to bring modern farming & dairy extension practices and genetic upgrading to the new dairy farmers of Philippines. The Philippines dairy industry began in 1975 with the creation of National Dairy Authority, NDA. The University of Wisconsin, Madison offered its services through the Babcock Institute with Dr. Kenneth Shapiro as its director of international programs. Associate Director Karen Nielsen arranged the two week schedule of courses and field visits for the group while making sure that there was time for fun and sightseeing.

Some feedback from participants follows:

“We were fortunate having met top caliber professors and dairy experts who made their technical presentations as simple as possible for us to fully understand how their proven studies and experiences would become applicable to Philippine dairy situation.” Judith Platero and Emmeline Del Cruz – Quality Control Officers, National Dairy Authority of Philippines Department of Agriculture

“The training program highlighted the importance of the dairy industry, the operationalization of the University of Wisconsin’s research based extension program, the support of the counties and the acceptance of the dairy farming communities on the UW extension co-operative program. This extension modality may be adopted by Camarines Sur State Agriculture College.” Dr. Salvador Cruzana – Director for Extension Services Camarines Sur State Agricultural College, Philippines

“The lectures given and discussions with the resource persons on extension work in the US particularly in Wisconsin were very extensive and relevant to our own experiences. The way they deliver extension work and the recognition of the work of extension workers in Wisconsin as discussed with us both by the extension workers and the farmers gave me inspiration to work harder in extension activities I am currently involved in.

I have attended other courses in dairy in other countries but I think this course is the most relevant to my work. Myrna Galang – University Researcher, Animal & Dairy Sciences Cluster, University of Philippines Los Banos.

“The training provided the participant’s strategies and skills with their extension system that would adjust to the Philippine setting in order to be an efficient extension worker. My achievements and ideas from the training which I owe a lot to the people of Land O'Lakes will be shared to the people who really need it and I hope more Filipinos will be benefited by your programs.” Arante Estrada – Instructor, Lanao Del Norte Agricultural College Mindanao State University, Philippines